2026-04-30

Europe News

Royal recruits boost volunteers as Netherlands builds up reservists

The royal seal of approval, together with recruitment campaigns running across the media, has proven so successful that the military is now working overtime to arm, train and accommodate the influx of newcomers.

30/04/2026

Earth News

6 key takeaways from Colombia fossil fuel phaseout conference

Europe dominated the Santa Marta fossil fuel summit. Here are the key takeaways.

30/04/2026

Europe News

Kyiv shuns Moscow's 'Victory Day truce' asking for long-term ceasefire

After the Easter truce, Moscow is now proposing a Victory Day parade ceasefire as the Kremlin is concerned over Ukraine’s long-range striking capabilities. Moscow has already scaled down the parade, where for the first time in years, Russian armoured columns will not be rolling on the Red Square.

30/04/2026

Tech News

Everything to know about the EU’s new age verification app

The European Commission says the app will be free, anonymous and available on any device and has told EU countries they must roll it out by the end of 2026.

30/04/2026

Europe News

Israel arrests 175 activists from Gaza-bound flotilla

Isreal has intercepted a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in international waters near Greece, arresting 175 activists, with officials saying blockade enforcement is vital to stop weapons reaching the territory.

30/04/2026

Europe News

Israel halts Russian grain ship amid stolen Ukrainian wheat row

After days of diplomatic row between Ukraine and Israel, Israeli grain importer Zenziper said it is postponing the unloading of the grain on board the ship said to be carrying stolen Ukrainian grain on behalf of Russia.

30/04/2026

Economy

Inflation hits 3% in euro area as Iran war spreads oil price shock

Soaring oil prices linked to the Iran war pushed inflation higher in the euro area in April, while growth continued to underperform — a worrying combination for both consumers and policymakers at the European Central Bank.

30/04/2026

Europe News

Press freedom at lowest level in 25 years, RSF report shows

In its latest report, RSF has warned that press freedom is at a 25-year low, with over half the world in “difficult” or “very serious” status and few “good” countries.

30/04/2026

Top News Stories Today

Latest news bulletin | April 30th, 2026 – Midday

Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this April 30th, 2026 - latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.

30/04/2026

Europe News

The "giant" heads home: After war missions and Maduro capture

The world’s largest aircraft carrier is set to return to the US after completing missions that included operations in the Iran war and the US mission in Venezuela that saw the capture of Nicolas Maduro.

30/04/2026

The Ring

PSG vs Bayern - a semifinal for the ages and football at its very best

In this special football edition of The Ring, we deconstruct a Champions League game that will go down in history as one of the best ever. Nine goals - can top quality football really be any better? Our experts also weigh in on what else is moving Europe's most popular sport.

30/04/2026

The Cube

Crans-Montana fire: Who covers victims’ medical costs?

After the deadly New Year’s Eve fire in the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana, tensions are rising after Switzerland sent invoices to the victims' families. What’s behind the bills?

30/04/2026

Europe Today

EU failed to 'listen' in Sahel, envoy says as influence wanes

EU envoy admits Brussels misread Sahel dynamics, warning that military-first strategies and one-way diplomacy have eroded influence as Russia and China deepen their foothold in the region.

30/04/2026

Europe Today

'We cannot give Russia legitimacy through sports events', says MEP

Ville Niinistö, MEP for the Greens, believes that Russia is now "weaker than a year ago" and says the country is using its foreign connections to "legitimise their war crimes in Ukraine".

30/04/2026

No Comment

Germany’s canal village keeps 129-year mail-by-boat tradition alive

In Germany’s Spreewald, postal worker Andrea Bunar resumes delivering mail by barge, continuing a 129-year tradition in Lehde village.

30/04/2026

Tech News

'Virtual rape': AI is silencing women in public life, UN report

More than 41% of women said they had self-censored on social media to avoid abuse, while 19% had pulled back from speaking out in a professional context.

30/04/2026

Business

Volkswagen profit drops as carmaker signals further cost cuts

Volkswagen warned its future is at risk as profits fell sharply and it signalled deeper cost cuts. The carmaker is battling weak demand in China, rising competition, tariffs and pressure to simplify its complex structure.

30/04/2026

Economy

French growth stalls as Iran war energy shock hits economy

France's first-quarter data shows slowed growth, rising prices and collapsing exports, laying bare how quickly the Iran war's energy shock is feeding through to Europe's second-largest economy.

30/04/2026

Culture news

Music beyond English: the 7 most popular languages on Spotify

Only listening to music in English shuts doors to other rhythms, textures, sounds and especially words. It’s like only watching American films: you're gonna miss great works. Yes, Spanish‑language music is very trendy now but there’s more, so much more to discover.

30/04/2026

No Comment

Nairobi welcomes marathon star Sabastian Sawe after record-breaking London victory

Sabastian Sawe returns to Nairobi after breaking the marathon world record in London, becoming the first runner under two hours in a sanctioned race.

30/04/2026

Health news

Why are more young adults being diagnosed with some cancers?

Well-known risk factors such as smoking, alcohol use, diet, and physical activity have not been increasing among younger adults in recent decades, except for obesity. But researchers say that alone cannot fully explain the rise of cancer among young adults.

30/04/2026

Markets

Oil hits $126 wartime high as US–Iran standoff fuels supply fears

Oil markets face upward pressure on Thursday, with Brent crude briefly touching $126 as markets price in tensions in the negotiations between the US and Iran.

30/04/2026

Europe in Motion

Germany is now Europe's largest military spender: What is it buying?

Military spending by European NATO members last year rose faster than at any time since 1953.

30/04/2026

No Comment

Trash piles up in Bali as landfill ban triggers waste crisis

Bali’s landfill ban leads to waste piling up in streets, burning trash, and health concerns as Indonesia moves to enforce long-delayed rules.

30/04/2026

Cinema

Unhinged? ‘Love Actually’ door goes up for auction

The London door has become a massive tourist attraction, with thousands of fans of the British rom-com flocking to the property used for filming to see it.

30/04/2026

Europe News

Italian woman faces jail in Egypt for adultery

Sentenced to six months in prison for adultery in Egypt, Nessy Guerra is caught up in a complex case of alleged abuse, a daughter stranded in the country and the limits of Italian intervention.

30/04/2026

Europe News

Israel says detained Gaza aid flotilla activists to be taken to Greece

The Global Sumud Flotilla activists said on Thursday that Israeli soldiers boarded the ships, damaged engines and communications devices in an effort to force them to reverse course.

30/04/2026

Earth News

Snow is rapidly disappearing from the Greek mountains, new study shows

Declining snow cover and a shrinking winter season could plunge water supplies, agriculture and ecosystems into crisis.

30/04/2026

Business

Google parent Alphabet profit jumps 81% amid Big Tech earnings results

Alphabet, Amazon, Meta and Microsoft all beat earnings expectations, as they reported on Wednesday, but Alphabet stood out, with its shares jumping 7% in extended trading on strong cloud growth.

30/04/2026

No Comment

Smoke rises over Russia’s Tuapse after Ukrainian drone strikes hit oil refinery

Plumes of black smoke rise over the southern Russian town of Tuapse after multiple Ukrainian drone strikes on a major oil refinery in the coastal area.

30/04/2026